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Gifted Children Programs’ Short and Long-Term Impact: Higher Education, Earnings, and the Knowledge-Economy

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  • Victor Lavy
  • Yoav Goldstein

Abstract

This paper examines the short-run and longer-term effects of gifted children’s programs (GCP). Using administrative data from Israel, we follow students who participated in a GCP, studying in separate gifted classes in high schools, and compare them to equally gifted students from localities where a GCP was not offered. Our results show that while GCP participation has tiny effects on high school academic achievement, it substantially influences university outcomes. This influence is manifested in the choice of field of study, a higher incidence of double majors, and an increased likelihood of pursuing advanced degrees. Interestingly, GCP participation does not affect earnings or employment in knowledge-based sectors, implying that gifted children do well in the labor market, regardless of participation in a GCP. Finally, participation in the GCP does not affect the likelihood of marriage or having children. Still, it positively affects the spouse’s “quality”, driven by marriages between GCP participants and their classmates. We discuss potential mechanisms by relating our findings to the literature in psychology about gifted children.

Suggested Citation

  • Victor Lavy & Yoav Goldstein, 2022. "Gifted Children Programs’ Short and Long-Term Impact: Higher Education, Earnings, and the Knowledge-Economy," NBER Working Papers 29779, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:29779
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • J01 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics: General
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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